Description
These homemade mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, coated with seasoned panko breadcrumbs and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Ideal as a snack or appetizer, they can be prepared ahead and frozen, then fried or baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 1 ½ cups plain Panko
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
Breading
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Cheese
- 1 lb whole milk mozzarella block (or 15 whole milk string cheese)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Serving
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Panko Coating: Place the panko crumbs in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them until fine. Pour the crushed panko into a shallow dish and mix in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt, stirring to combine evenly.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Flour: In a shallow bowl, beat the 2 large eggs until scrambled. In another shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour for dredging the cheese sticks.
- Cut Mozzarella Sticks: If using a mozzarella block, cut it widthwise into 15 sticks approximately the size of string cheese sticks.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks: Working one stick at a time, first dip it into the flour and shake off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko crumbs, ensuring the entire surface of the cheese stick is covered.
- Freeze the Breaded Sticks: Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on the rack. Once all are coated, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill for at least 1 hour. For longer storage, after 1 hour place the sticks in an airtight container and keep frozen.
- Fry or Bake the Sticks: To cook, heat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying. Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels. Alternatively, they can be baked in the oven or air fried if preferred for a lighter option.
- Serve: Serve the crispy, hot mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- These mozzarella sticks are best served hot and fresh for maximum gooeyness and crispiness.
- You can freeze the breaded sticks for up to a month; be sure to store in an airtight container after the initial freeze.
- For a healthier option, bake or air fry the sticks instead of deep frying.
- Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning in the panko mixture to your taste preferences.
- Watch the frying time carefully to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 281 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg
